Mind the Gap: Lack of Association between KIR3DL1004/HLA-Bw4—Induced Natural Killer Cell Function and Protection from HIV Infection

• Published in: The Journal of infectious diseases 2010-11, Vol.202 (Supplement-3), p.S356-S360
• Main Authors: Parsons, Matthew S., Boulet, Salix, Song, Rujun, Bruneau, Julie, Shoukry, Naglaa H., Routy, Jean-Pierre, Tsoukas, Christos M., Bernard, Nicole F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene Frequency; HIV - immunology; HIV Infections - genetics; HIV Infections - immunology; HLA-B Antigens - genetics; Human viral diseases; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Infectious diseases; Killer Cells, Natural - immunology; Medical sciences; Microbiology; Receptors, KIR3DL1 - genetics; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids
• ISSN: 0022-1899; 1537-6613
• DOI: 10.1086/655966

Several combinations of genes encoding KIR3DL1 alleles and their HLA-Bw4 ligands have been linked with favorable outcomes upon exposure to or infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Some protective KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4 combinations confer elevated natural killer (NK) cell functional potential. The K562-stimulated functionality of NK cells from KIR3DL1*004/HLA-Bw4 and control genotype carriers was assessed by flow cytometry and found to be higher in KIR3DL1*004/HLA-Bw4 carriers. However, a comparison of the frequency of this combined genotype among HIV-exposed uninfected and HIV-infected subjects revealed no between-group differences. Thus, despite its ability to license NK cells, KIR3DL1*004/HLA-Bw4 is not associated with a reduced risk of infection.